Research Technician - Woodland Vegetation Monitoring - Nevada Forest and Woodland Restoration Institute (NFWRI)

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) appreciates your interest in employment at our growing institution. We want your application process to go smoothly and quickly. Final applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.
If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact our recruitment helpline at (775) 784-1495 or jobs@unr.edu.
Job Description
The University of Nevada, Reno is recruiting a motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative Research Technician with experience in ecological fieldwork and laboratory research to join the Nevada Forest and Woodland Restoration Institute (NFWRI) and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science (NRES). ***This position does not provide layoff rights and is contingent upon funding. This position supports the recently established NFWRI investigating forest health, wildfire impacts, fuel treatments, and forest ecosystem processes throughout the Great Basin and Eastern Sierra. The position is located at the University of Nevada, Reno, with periodic travel to field research sites, and reports to Dr. Robert Shriver, Associate Professor in NRES and Director of NFWRI.
The Research Technician will play an important role in coordinating and conducting field research, leading field crews, processing laboratory samples, managing research data, and assisting with data analysis and scientific reporting. The successful candidate will be comfortable working independently in both field and laboratory settings, organizing research activities, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and research partners.
Responsibilities include:
Conduct field surveys in forests throughout Nevada and eastern California to assess forest health and evaluate the effects of wildfire and fuel treatments on forest ecosystems.
Coordinate field research logistics, develop and implement sampling protocols, prepare equipment and supplies, and communicate with land managers and research collaborators regarding site access, permits, and sampling schedules.
Lead field crews in collecting ecological data and samples while ensuring research protocols, sample handling procedures, and safety requirements are followed.
Process and analyze laboratory samples, operate and maintain scientific equipment, and organize and maintain research records and datasets.
Assist with data management, basic statistical analyses using R, and the preparation of research summaries, reports, presentations, and scientific manuscripts.
Maintain laboratory facilities, field equipment, and research vehicles, including performing routine preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
Coordinate laboratory schedules and shared resources and provide task assignments, training, and procedural guidance to student employees, staff, and volunteers as assigned.
Collaborate with faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, land managers, and external partners to support the effective operation of the forest ecology research program.
The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment, maintain accurate research records, communicate effectively with research team members, and follow established research protocols and institutional safety requirements. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to applied ecological research addressing forest management, wildfire, and ecosystem health in the western United States.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biological, soil or crop science or closely related field; OR
High school graduation and two years of experience related to the assigned research area in which the applicant performed duties equivalent to preparing experimental field plots, preparing feed rations according to research criteria and collecting and/or recording simple field data; OR
An equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Licensure
A valid Class “C” driver’s license or higher operator’s license is required at the time of appointment and as a condition of continuing employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following are encouraged to apply:
A bachelor's degree in ecology, forestry, environmental science, natural resources, or a closely related field
Experience conducting ecological, forestry, environmental, or natural resources research in field and laboratory settings.
Experience with forest ecology, forest health monitoring, wildfire research, fuel treatments, or related ecosystem processes.
Experience using R or other statistical software for data management, visualization, and basic statistical analysis.
Experience coordinating field projects, leading field crews, maintaining research equipment, or training students and research personnel.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct field and laboratory research, follow established protocols, maintain accurate research records, and work independently with limited supervision.
Schedule and Travel
Full-time position with a schedule that varies according to seasonal fieldwork and research project needs.
Periodic travel to field research sites throughout Nevada and California, including remote forested areas.
Early mornings, late evenings, and extended workdays may be required during seasonal research activities.
Outdoor fieldwork may occur during inclement weather and under variable environmental conditions.
Fieldwork requires hiking long distances over uneven terrain while carrying a backpack containing supplies and equipment weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
Occasional extended hours may be necessary to troubleshoot equipment or complete time-sensitive research activities.
Compensation Grade
Grade 28
In classified service, salary is in Grade and Step. The Step is determined based on the Nevada Administrative Code. Salary placement above a Step 01 at initial appointment is determined based on the recruitment, the candidate’s qualifications, internal equity and budgets. A request to accelerate salary must be approved by Human Resources and abide by the Nevada Administrative Code.
To view the classified compensation schedules, please visit: Classified Compensation. Select Salary schedule, CBA C & L; PP01 or PP02.
For more information, visit the Classified Salary Calculator
The Perks of PERS
Employees are enrolled in The Public Employees’ Retirement System of Nevada (PERS) upon hire. For information on contribution rates, please visit: NV PERS Contribution Rates
Rich retirement plan - Retirement Calculator
Perks of Working at UNR
Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
Life insurance, generous annual and sick leave - Classified

Skills
Data Analysis